Is your drinking water fountain looking dull or plagued with stubborn hard water stains? A clean water fountain is essential for providing fresh, safe water. Neglecting its maintenance can lead to unhygienic conditions and affect its lifespan. This guide provides a step-by-step process to keep your drinking fountain or bubbler in top condition, ensuring it provides clean, refreshing water for years to come.
Cleaning hard water stains from drinking fountains can be challenging, as those marks not only look awful but can degrade hygiene. Regular cleaning not only maintains cleanliness but also noticeably extends the lifespan of the unit, ensuring efficient functioning for many years.
In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to clean a drinking water fountain effectively and remove even the toughest stains. We’ll also share tips on regular maintenance to keep your fountain sparkling. This guide provides the necessary knowledge to perform maintenance easily.
What can I use to clean a drinking water fountain?
Before you begin, gather the following supplies:
- Mild dishwashing liquid or a liquid descaler
- Paper towels or soft cloths
- A grout brush or old toothbrush
- Protective gloves
- Disinfectant cleaner
- White vinegar (optional, for stubborn stains)
- Baking soda (optional, for stubborn stains)
Safety First: Ensure you switch off the power and water supply before cleaning. This is crucial for your safety when handling the unit.
Tip: Before cleaning, clear your drinking fountain of any debris, especially if it is outdoors. This will likely include fallen leaves, dirt, or sand.
Steps to Clean a Drinking Water Fountain
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Preparation of the Surface
Apply the descaler or a solution of warm soapy water directly to the stainless steel. Let it stand as instructed on the product label, which may help eliminate lime and calcium deposits. Wipe clean with damp paper towels.
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Disinfect the Unit
Spray a disinfectant cleaner over the entire fountain, paying particular attention to high-contact areas such as the bubbler and the drain. Allow the disinfectant to sit for at least 10 minutes to effectively kill germs.
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Cleaning of the Bubbler
Spray disinfectant onto a grout brush and scrub the inside of the bubbler thoroughly. After scrubbing, run water through the bubbler to rinse away all disinfectant.
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Deep Cleaning for Stubborn Stains
For deep cleaning, mix baking soda with white vinegar. Smear the solution on problem areas and lightly scrub using an old toothbrush. Once you have scrubbed, rinse thoroughly with fresh water.
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Cleaning Up the Drain Grate
Use the grout brush to scrub grates and around the edges to remove any mold or mildew. Make sure to disinfect this area well and rinse thoroughly.
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Removing Hard Water Stains
For persistent hard water stains, apply the vinegar and baking soda mixture described earlier. Ensure you scrub thoroughly but gently, then rinse well to prevent buildup.
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Final Rinse and Dry
Wipe down the fountain with damp paper towels to remove any remaining cleaner and residue. Run water through the bubbler for two minutes to rinse thoroughly. Dry the entire surface with a soft cloth to avoid water spots.
How do you clean the inside of a water fountain?
For a thorough clean, especially when dealing with limescale or stubborn stains inside a water fountain, using a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar is highly effective. Apply the paste to the affected area, scrub gently, then rinse.
Maintenance Tips
How often should you clean a drinking fountain?
Your drinking fountain should be cleaned weekly to maintain good hygiene. Indoor fountains might need minor adjustments over time, as they can become noisy or less efficient. Outdoor fountains often require extra attention to remove debris.
How to keep the water clean in a fountain?
Regularly flush the fountain’s water system and pipework, and sanitise every six months to keep the water safe and fresh.
Note: Avoid using bleach-based cleaners as they can damage stainless steel surfaces.
How to get hard water stains off a drinking fountain?
To remove hard water stains, create a paste of baking soda and white vinegar, apply it to the stained area, scrub gently with a brush, and rinse thoroughly. For preventative measures, make sure to wipe surfaces dry after cleaning to avoid buildup.
Why Regular Cleaning is Important?
Regular maintenance of your drinking water fountain will not only ensure safe, refreshing water, but it also helps prevent damage, leading to cost savings.
Conclusion
Maintaining your water fountain regularly ensures it provides safe, fresh water every time you need it. A well-maintained fountain promotes hygiene and extends the unit’s life—a worthwhile investment for you.
Here at Pure N Safe in Australia, we ensure that your water systems always maintain the highest standards of cleanliness. For more professional tips and advice on how to clean a drinking water fountain, explore our blog for real-world advice on water care and hygiene.
Got questions or need help? Call our customer service: 1 300 890 807. Our goal is to ensure the health and satisfaction of every household’s water quality. Maintain your drinking fountain to enjoy fresh water anytime.